Saturday, November 24th marks the eighth annual Small Business Saturday.
A day to celebrate your area’s small businesses and help strengthen the local economy, Small Business Saturday is the best way to get your holiday shopping done.
And Old Town Auburn is the perfect place to do it.
What is Small Business Saturday?
Launched in 2010, Small Business Saturday takes place on the Saturday just after Thanksgiving. It was designed to encourage people to shop small and do more of their holiday spending at local, small businesses.
One short year later, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of Small Business Saturday, the movement being recognized in all fifty states and continuing to pick up momentum.
Now, Small Business Saturday is as much a part of holiday tradition for some as Black Friday used to be.
Why is Small Business Saturday Important?
The answer is simple: when small businesses thrive, our communities thrive.
Sure, we can spend our holiday dollars at a corporate chain or their online stores, but what does that do for our local economy?
Taking our holiday dollars to local merchants keeps the businesses we love strong and they, in turn, strengthen our community.
Don’t underestimate the importance of small businesses in your community and country.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration:
- The 28 million small businesses in America account for 54% of all U.S. sales.
- Small businesses provide 55% of all jobs and 66% of all net new jobs since the 1970s.
- The 600,000 plus franchised small businesses in the U.S. account for 40% of all retail sales and provide jobs for some 8 million people.
- The small business sector in America occupies 30-50% of all commercial space, an estimated 20-34 billion square feet.
- The number of small businesses in the United States has increased 49% since 1982.
- Since 1990, as big business eliminated 4 million jobs, small businesses added 8 million new jobs.
The numbers don’t lie. Small business is not only good for our local communities but also for the United States economy, as a whole.
Old Town Auburn Small Businesses
When you’re pulling on your boots and heading out the door on Small Business Saturday, Old Town Auburn is the ultimate shopping destination.
Old Town has dozens of merchants selling local, handmade, and unique wares you can only find in Auburn. Here are just a few:
Auburn Old Town Gallery
An artists’ cooperative that was established in 1995, the Gallery features the works of nearly 60 local artists who explore a wide range of media.
From acrylic, oil & watercolor paintings, scratchboard & pencil drawings, to jewelry, pottery and ceramics – and much, much more – you are sure to find something for everyone on your list at the Auburn Old Town Gallery.
Sierra Moon Goldsmiths
Crafting unique custom jewelry since 1978, their master designers create exclusive designs that feature a fresh approach to jewelry as art, skillfully combining precious metals and gemstones to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
Current collections include original Sierra Moon pieces, exquisite estate jewelry, cutting edge and traditional bridal wear, high fashion, and one of the largest selections of local gold nugget and gold-bearing quartz jewelry.
Sierra Moon Goldsmiths is the perfect place to find a rare gem for that someone special.
Marquis Etc.
For 13 years MARQUIS ETC. has been offering Old Town Auburn unique gift ideas in a well-curated shop.
Antiques, collectibles and good junque are tucked into every corner of this fun store specializing in vintage jewelry, art glass, porcelain, pottery, and unusual small treasures of all sorts. Items are well-researched from the owner's years of accumulated knowledge, choosing only the very best vintage items for their customers.
More to Enjoy in Old Town
Whether you’re taking a break from shopping to enjoy lunch or are on the hunt for the perfect gift card, Old Town Auburn’s restaurants, coffee shops, brewery and taproom provide plenty of refreshing option.
Auburn Alehouse
Located in the heart of Old Town, this craft brewpub has a menu that surprises and delights.
The ambiance of the Auburn Alehouse combines the charm and character of this historic brick and mortar building with the bold industrial elements of a 10-barrel microbrewery.
Bonus! The Alehouse Annex is now open and pouring, across the street from the Alehouse, in the old Tsuda Grocery building. Come check out the wood-fired pizzas, craft beer, and incredible offerings at The Annex in Old Town Auburn.
Liu Mandarin Kitchen
Serving authentic Chinese cuisine since 2015, Liu Mandarin Kitchen features a menu based on recipes spanning back 3 generations, with a variety of tasty Northern Chinese and Hu-Nan dishes, including handmade dumplings made daily.
Other great offerings include homemade noodles & soups, fresh salads, and beef, chicken & shrimp dishes.
Old Town Pizza
Proud of the dining experience that they’ve created since first opening in July 1999, Old Town Pizza is always striving to provide a fresh experience for customers.
Offering a unique full-service, relaxed, fun environment, customers are made to feel at home while at OTP.
With unique decor, TVs, great wine & rotating beer options and an arcade for the children, there is something for everyone to enjoy at OTP.
The Pour Choice
Auburn’s craft taproom brings the best tasting, highest quality beer, wine, kombucha, and coffee from the region and serves it in a unique social gathering place.
With an emphasis on educating customers and a passion for serving the community, The Pour Choice is the ultimate destination for families, friends, and lovers of all things craft. Where good company meets pour choices.
Auburn Coffee Company and Art Gallery
Offering specialty espresso bar beverages, a kombucha bar, salads, freshly baked pastries, and smoothies, Auburn Coffee Company invites you to enjoy dining Al fresco style on their cozy patio.
Occasionally featuring live music, Auburn Coffee Company offers private parties, catering for all occasions, sandwich delivery, Santa Cruz coffee brew bar, free wi-fi internet, and art from local artists.
Whatever your holiday shopping needs, satisfying them at local small businesses is better for your community. Head to Old Town Auburn on Small Business Saturday and spend your holiday dollars at local small businesses.